chain cutter for continuously forming center-filled gum pieces

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individual pieces, which includes a first continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second die cavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavity about a rope of center filled consumable product, forming pieces. The invention incorporates four main variables, dwell time, chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities in simultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increase the output of the product, as well as maintain a satisfactory seal of the center-filled consumable product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/817,637, filed Jun. 29, 2006, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and an apparatus forforming individual center-filled gum pieces from a continuous rope orstrand. More particularly, the present invention relates to a chaincutter for cutting the rope or strand into individual pieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Center-filled confectionery products are known. These products typicallyhave a solid or semi-solid exterior and a soft liquid, semi-liquid, orsoft solid center. One well known example of such center-filledconfectionery products are liquid filled gum products.

A typical process for forming center-filled gum pieces is to extrude acontinuous rope or strand of material into a hollow tubularconfiguration, and filling with a soft or liquid center. This rope orstrand is fed between the dies of a chain cutter and continuously cutinto individual pieces. The process and apparatus for the formation ofcenter-filled gum pieces is more fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,838,098; 6,558,727; 6,472,001; and 6,284,291. Each of these patents isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

The chain cutter not only cuts the rope into individual pieces it alsoseals the ends of the pieces thereby closing the liquid center withinthe outer exterior portion. If the ends of the gum pieces are notproperly sealed, undesirable release of the center-fill composition mayoccur.

One factor in assuring that a proper seal is provided when cutting therope into individual pieces is the dwell time in which the rope iscontained within the dies of the chain cutter. If the rope remainswithin the die over an extended period of time, a better seal will beobtained. This heretofore could only be obtained by slowing the rotationof the chain die to maintain a satisfactory dwell time. As may beappreciated, however, this reduces the efficiency of the manufacturingprocess by slowing the rate at which center-filled gum pieces can beformed.

It is desirable to provide a chain cutter which can be run at higherspeeds to increase efficiency, yet not decrease the dwell time so as toadversely affect the sealing of the individual pieces. It is desirableto provide a chain type cutting apparatus which uses a dwell timesimilar to the dwell time of existing chain type cutting apparatus,while using more simultaneously closed dies than that of existing chaintype cutting apparatus.

It is desirable to provide an improved chain cutter, wherein the speedcan be increased, and/or the chain length can be increased to improvethe output of individual pieces. Having a satisfactory dwell time isimportant to achieve an improved sealing, reduced leakage, and improvedmanufacturing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a chain type cutting apparatus forcontinually cutting a rope of a center-filled consumable product intoindividual pieces. The cutting apparatus includes a first continuouselongate rotary chain defining a plurality of first open die cavityportions. A second continuous elongate rotary chain is provided defininga plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second diecavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavityabout the rope of product thereby forming the pieces. A plurality of thefirst and second die cavity portions are in simultaneous engagementalong a substantial length of the chain to form a plurality ofsimultaneously closed die cavities.

More particularly, each of the chains is supported by two spaced apartrollers and the plurality of cavities that are in simultaneousengagement extends substantially between the rollers.

In a method aspect, a method of continuously forming a plurality ofdiscrete pieces of center-filled confectionery product from an elongaterope is provided. The method includes the steps of feeding the ropebetween first and second elongate rotating chains where each chaindefines a plurality of mutually engageable open die cavity portions.Thereafter, a plurality of the die cavity portions is simultaneouslyclosed about the rope along an extended length thereof to cut the ropeinto discrete pieces.

In one embodiment there is provided a chain type cutting apparatus forcontinuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product intoindividual pieces including a first continuous elongate rotary chaindefining a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a secondcontinuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of second open diecavity portions, the first and second die cavity portions being mutuallyengageable to form a closed die cavity about the rope of product,thereby forming the pieces, the product remaining within the closed diecavity for a dwell time, wherein the number of the first and second diecavity portions being in simultaneous engagement being at least about 7.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofcontinuously forming a plurality of discrete pieces of a center-filledconfectionery product from an elongate rope thereof comprising the stepsof feeding the rope between a first and second elongate rotating chains,each the chain defining a plurality of mutually engageable open diecavity portions, simultaneously closing a plurality of the die cavityportions about the rope along an extended length to cut the rope intothe discrete pieces, wherein the number of the closed die cavities is atleast about 10.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofimproving the output of a chain type cutting apparatus having a pair ofrotary chains including a plurality of die cavity portions which aremutually engageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities tocontinuously cut a rope of center-filled confectionery product intoindividual pieces; the method includes the steps of establishing aminimal dwell time to maintain the rope in the mutually engageableclosed die cavities for effectively sealing the individual pieces, andestablishing the number of the closed die cavities and speed of rotationof the rotating chains such that the minimum dwell time is maintained.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improvedchain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of acenter-filled consumable product into individual pieces which includes afirst continuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of firstopen die cavity portions, and a second continuous elongate rotary chaindefining a plurality of second open die cavity portions, and the firstand second die cavity portions being mutually engageable to form aclosed die cavity about the rope of product, thereby forming the pieces,the product remaining within the closed die cavity for a dwell time,wherein the improvement includes an increased number of closed diecavities in contact with the rope over that of an existing chain typecutting apparatus.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an improvedchain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of acenter-filled consumable product into individual pieces which includes afirst continuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of firstopen die cavity portions, and a second continuous elongate rotary chaindefining a plurality of second open die cavity portions, and the firstand second die cavity portions being mutually engageable to form aclosed die cavity about the rope of product, thereby forming the pieces,the product remaining within the closed die cavity for a dwell time,wherein the improvement includes a length between the rollerssubstantially longer than that of an existing chain type cuttingapparatus.

Another embodiment of the invention provides an improved method ofcontinuously forming a plurality of discrete pieces of a center-filledconfectionery product from an elongate rope thereof which includes thesteps of feeding the rope between a first and second elongate rotatingchains, each the chain defining a plurality of mutually engageable opendie cavity portions, simultaneously closing a plurality of the diecavity portions about the rope along an extended length to cut the ropeinto the discrete pieces, wherein the improvement includes increasingthe time in which the product remains within the closed die cavitieswhile maintaining or increasing the rotational speed of the chains of anexisting method of continuously forming a plurality of pieces ofcenter-filled confectionery product.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a chain typecutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filledconsumable product into individual pieces comprising a first continuouselongate rotary chain defining a plurality of first open die cavityportions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain defining aplurality of second open die cavity portions, the first and second diecavity portions being mutually engageable to form a closed die cavityabout the rope of product, thereby forming the pieces, the productremaining within the closed die cavity for a dwell time, wherein each ofthe first and second chains has a major diameter length and the chaindefines a length of closed die cavities and wherein the ratio of theclosed die cavity length to the major diameter length is about 0.3-0.6to 1.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of improving theoutput of a chain type cutting apparatus having a pair of rotary chainsincluding a plurality of die cavity portions which are mutuallyengageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities to continuouslycut a rope of center-filled confectionery product into individualpieces; the method includes the steps of establishing a first dwell timeto maintain the rope in the mutually engageable closed die cavities foreffectively sealing the individual pieces, establishing a number ofclosed die cavities, and establishing a speed of rotation of therotating chains such that the first dwell time is at least maintainedfor the number of closed die cavities.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of improving theoutput of a chain type cutting apparatus having a pair of rotary chainsincluding a plurality of die cavity portions which are mutuallyengageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities to continuouslycut a rope of center-filled confectionery product into individualpieces; the method includes the steps of establishing a first dwell timeto maintain the rope in the mutually engageable closed die cavities foreffectively sealing the individual pieces, establishing a speed ofrotation of the rotating chains, and establishing a number of closed diecavities such that the first dwell time is at least maintained for thespeed of rotation of the rotating chains.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, also provides a pressure plate forengagement with one of the chains for urging the plurality of cavitiesinto the closed engagement.

The method in one embodiment includes urging one of the chains intoengagement with the other chain to maintain the plurality of diecavities in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the exemplary chain cutter of the present invention showingcenter-filled gum pieces contained within the die.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the exemplary improved chaincutter of the present invention for use in combination with apparatusfor the formation of center-filled gum pieces described more fully inthe above-incorporated patent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The chain cutter apparatus 10 includes a pair of continuous chains 12and 14. Each chain is supported for continuous rotation about a pair ofspaced apart rollers 16. Each chain defines a die portion 18 whichincludes an open die cavity portion 20. The open die cavity portions 20of one chain 12 are alignable with the open die cavity portions 20 ofthe other chain 14 to form a closed die cavity 21.

As described in the above-referenced incorporated patents, a rope ofproduct, preferably center-filled gum, is fed between the open diecavities of the chains 12 and 14. The die cavity portions 20 are thenclosed about the rope of product effectively forming and cutting therope into a plurality of discrete pieces 30. Continuing movement of thechain expels the individual pieces in a manner described with respect tothe above-referenced incorporated patents.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the chains 12 and 14, as well as the rollers16, are shown schematically. The present invention provides chaincutting apparatus having a length, as measured between the rollers,which is substantially longer than that of existing chain cutters. Thisis provided so as to increase the residence time in which the productremains within the closed die cavities while not having to reduce therotational speed of the chain. This is also referred to as dwell time.

Chain cutting apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 provides for an increasednumber of die cavities which are simultaneously closed about the rope.By increasing the number of die cavities closed around the rope, thechain die may be run at an increased linear speed while maintaining thedwell time of the rope in the closed die. The present invention seeks toestablish the speed at which the chain cutter is run. This may beaccomplished by increasing the number of dies that are closed about therope so as to maintain a minimum dwell time of the product within theclosed die.

In this manner, the chain cutter apparatus 10 may be run at an increasedspeed while still maintaining an minimum dwell time of the productwithin the closed die. Such minimum dwell time is a time sufficient forthe closed die to provide an effective seal for the center filledproduct thereby preventing leakage of the center fill therefrom. As maybe appreciated, the dwell time of the product within the closed die isdictated by the number of simultaneously closed dies about the productand the speed at which the chains 12 and 14 rotate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the length of the chain is measured between thespaced apart rollers 16 is such that preferably eighteen chain links 25remain in contact in closed position about the rope product fedtherebetween. Thus, as an individual closed die traverses from one endof the chain to the other between rollers 16, the product remains withinthe closed die over an extended period. Such an arrangement enhances theability for the product to be sealed which is especially important withcenter-filled gum products so as to prevent release of the center-fillcomposition from the formed piece. The longer chain die has a speciallydesigned cam mechanism to allow for increased contact between the upperand lower chains 12 and 14. Moreover, depending upon the particularproduct employed, the design incorporates the flexibility to increase ordecrease contact area between the upper and lower chains.

In one embodiment, eighteen die cavities are used with respect tomaintaining the products in the closed die cavities. In someembodiments, the number of closed die cavities may include at leastabout 7 closed die cavities. In some embodiments, the number of closeddie cavities may include at least about 10, and in some embodiments, thenumber of closed die cavities may include at least about 18 closed diecavities. In some embodiments, the number of closed die cavities mayhave about 10 to about 20 closed die cavities. In those ranges ofincrease in the number of die cavities, an increase in linear speed ofthe chains can be varied from 0% faster to 100% faster than that whichis conventionally employed while maintaining a minimum dwell time. Insome embodiments, the speed of the chain can be from about 30 m/min toabout 200 m/min. In other embodiments, the speed of the chain may befrom about 50 m/min to about 200 m/min. In other embodiments, the speedof the chain may be about 100 m/min to about 200 m/min. In otherembodiments, the speed of the chain may be about 100 m/min. In otherembodiments, the speed of the chain may be about 150 m/min.

Improvements can be seen with respect to a comparison to the existingchain cutting apparatus such as those shown in the above-referencedincorporated patents. For example, in one existing design, the number ofchain links and contacts is four, while in the longer chain die of thepresent invention eighteen links are in contact. The chart shown inTable 1 below shows the comparison between the existing production chaindie and the improved longer chain die, taking into considerationparameters such as the length of each link, the total contact length,the die speed and the average residence time.

TABLE 1 Number of Length of Average chain each link, Total contact DieSpeed, residence Chain Die Type links in contact mm length, mmmeters/min time, sec Existing 4 20.00 80.00 50.00 0.0960 Production DieExisting 4 20.00 80.00 60.00 0.0800 Production Die Existing 4 20.0080.00 70.00 0.0686 Production Die Existing 4 20.00 80.00 80.00 0.0600Production Die Existing 4 20.00 80.00 90.00 0.0533 Production DieExisting 4 20.00 80.00 100.00 0.0480 Production Die Longer Chain Die 1820.00 360.00 50.00 0.4320 Longer Chain Die 18 20.00 360.00 60.00 0.3600Longer Chain Die 18 20.00 360.00 70.00 0.3086 Longer Chain Die 18 20.00360.00 80.00 0.2700 Longer Chain Die 18 20.00 360.00 90.00 0.2400 LongerChain Die 18 20.00 360.00 100.00 0.2160

As can been seen in Table 1 the longer chain of the chain die placessignificantly more closed cavities in contact with the rope, thisresults in the increased residence (dwell) time of the rope in theclosed die at comparable speeds. This, therefore, allows the chain dieto be run at faster speeds than the existing chain dies whilemaintaining comparable dwell times. The speed of rotation of the chaincutter may be increased over a previous speed, and the number of closeddie cavities may also be increased over a previous number of closed diecavities. For example, Table 1 shows that when run at a speed of 50m/min, the longer chain increases the dwell time of the rope in theclosed die from 0.0960 in the existing design to 0.4320 in the design ofthe present invention.

Depending on the chain cutter's configuration, the major diameterlength, the number of the chain dies in contact, the chain speed, andthe dwell time may vary. For example, in some existing chain cutters,the major chain length may be 400 mm, the number of chain dies incontact may be from four to nine, and the chain speed may be from 50m/min to 100 m/min. For example, the improved chain cutter may have amajor chain length of about 600 mm; the number of chain dies in contactin the improved chain cutter may be at least about 10, may be at leastabout 15, or may be at least about 15 to about 20; the chain speed inthe improved chain cutter may be from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min,or may be from about 100 m/min to about 200 m/min; and the dwell time inthe improved chain cutter may be from about 0.1 to about 0.5 seconds.

Thus, if one establishes a minimum dwell time, the design of the presentinvention allows running the chain at a higher speed while maintainingthat minimum dwell time. Operating at a higher speed increases theoutput of the overall process.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of closed die cavities over thatof the previously used dies may be achieved by increasing the length ofthe chains. An increase in the number of closed dies allows for adecrease in speed of the chain while still maintaining the output of theprocess. Likewise increasing the speed of the chain allows for adecrease in number of closed dies while maintaining the output of theprocess.

As can be seen, the invention considers four main variables: dwell time,chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities insimultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increasethe output of the product. By way of example, the output can beincreased by increasing the speed of the chain. If the speed isincreased, in order to maintain a minimum dwell time, the length of thechain and/or the number of simultaneously closed die cavities should beincreased. Similarly, if the dwell time is to be increased, the chainspeed can be decreased, or the length of the chain and/or the number ofsimultaneously closed die cavities can be increased. If the length ofthe chain is increased, to maintain the necessary minimum dwell time,the speed of the chain and/or the number of simultaneously closed diecavities can be increased. Finally, if the number of simultaneouslyclosed die cavities is to be increased, the speed of the chain and/orthe length of the chain can be increased in order to maintain minimumdwell time. While the four variables are discussed herein, it isappreciated that there are other variables that will necessarily have aneffect on the process described herein.

In one embodiment, the existing chain cutter employs a length asmeasured between the spaced apart rollers of the chain (major diameterlength) of about 400 mm, and four closed die cavities having a closedlength of about 80 mm. In some embodiments, the improved chain cutteremploys a major diameter of about 600 mm as measured between therollers, and eighteen closed die cavities having a closed length ofabout 360 mm. This arrangement allows maintenance of the minimum dwelltime while running the chain at higher speeds. Preferably, the chaincutter has about 10 to about 20 simultaneous closed die cavities, havinga closed die cavity length of from about 200 mm to about 400 mm. Inother embodiments, the chain speed is increased about 2 to about 4 timesthat of existing chain cutters.

Accordingly, the ratio of these closed die cavities per unit length ofthe chain (as measured between the rollers) to the major diameter lengthincreases from about ⅕ in the above existing embodiment to about ⅓ toabout ⅔, which represents about a 170% to about a 330% increase overexisting chain cutters. In other embodiments, the improved chain cutterincreases the number of closed dies in simultaneous engagement and/orthe length from about 1.5 to about 6 times that of existing chaincutters, while maintaining or increasing the chain die speed. In someembodiments, the chain die speed is increased about 2 to 4 times that ofexisting chain cutters.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, there is provided a pressure plate 40. Thepressure plate includes an engagement surface 42 which may be moved intoengagement with one of the chains 14 to urge the chain 14 into closedcontact with chain 12 thereby maintaining the closed configuration andfurther assuring proper formation of the individual pieces.

As may be appreciated, optionally, an anti-sticking agent may be used inconjunction with the rope sizer, to prevent the rope from adhering tothe rollers and getting stuck, which would decrease productivity.Generally, anti-sticking agents may be in the form of powders such astalc, calcium carbonate, or oils. For example, a fine mist of a foodgrade oil or an oil-based material may be sprayed on the rollers andmaterial engaging surfaces of the rope sizer before or as the rope ofgum material makes contact with the rollers. The oil temporarily reducesor eliminates the stickiness of the gum material and allows it to besized without the need to cool the rollers with cooled air or nitrogengas. In the alternative or in addition, it is also possible to apply theoil material directly on the rope of gum material. Suitable food gradeoil or oil-based materials include, but are not limited to almond oil,apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, black cumin seed oil, borage seed oil,camellia oil, castor oil, cocoa oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseedoil, evening primrose seed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, hemp seedoil, jojoba oil, karanja seed oil, kukui nut oil, macadamia nut oil,meadowfoam seed oil, neem seed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil,pumpkin seed oil, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, sea buckthorn oil,sesame seed oil, shea nut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, tamanu oil,vitamin E oil, and wheat germ oil. Synthetic oils may also be used.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may be kept at a reduced temperature inorder to prevent the confectionery material from sticking to the variousparts described herein. For this purpose, cooled air or gas may bedirected toward the rollers, the relaxation conveyor, the cuttingapparatus, or any other part of the system in which the confectionerymay potentially stick. The cooling air may flow directly at the surfaceof the parts to maintain it at a pre-determined temperature. In anotherembodiment, the parts themselves may be chilled, such as using a chilledextruder, a chilled rope sizer, a chilled relaxation conveyor and/or achilled cutting apparatus. Such cooling may be achieved through use ofcooled fluid, such as water, liquid nitrogen, or other fluid. In anembodiment, the center fill material may be cooled upon exit from thefilling apparatus. Using cooled center fill material will have theeffect of cooling the outer confectionery portion from the inside. Thetemperature of the parts is preferably maintained below about−90.degree.F, although the actual temperature will vary with thematerial and production rate. The individual parts and/or theconfectionery itself may be cooled at any temperature from about−100.degree.F to about 50.degree.F. In order to control costs ofmanufacture, the temperature should be just cold enough to supportproduction, while inhibiting sticking of the confectionery.

While the invention has been described in related to the preferredembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without deviating from the fundamentalnature and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of acenter-filled consumable product into individual pieces comprising: afirst continuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of firstopen die cavity portions; and a second continuous elongate rotary chaindefining a plurality of second open die cavity portions; said first andsecond die cavity portions being mutually engageable to form a closeddie cavity about said rope of product, thereby forming said pieces, saidproduct remaining within said closed die cavity for a dwell time;wherein the number of said first and second die cavity portions being insimultaneous engagement being at least about 10; and wherein said firstand second chains are rotatable at a speed of from about 30 m/min toabout 200 m/min.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A chain type cutting apparatus forcontinuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product intoindividual pieces comprising: a first continuous elongate rotary chaindefining a plurality of first open die cavity portions; and a secondcontinuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of second open diecavity portions; and a pressure plate for engagement with one of saidchains for urging said plurality of cavity portions into said closedengagement; said first and second die cavity portions being mutuallyengageable to form a closed die cavity about said rope of product,thereby forming said pieces, said product remaining within said closeddie cavity for a dwell time; wherein the number of said first and seconddie cavity portions being in simultaneous engagement being at leastabout
 10. 4-11. (canceled)
 12. An chain type cutting apparatus of claim1 wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5seconds.
 13. A chain type cutting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ofsaid first and second chains has a major diameter length and said chaindefines a length of closed die cavities, and wherein the ratio of theclosed die cavity length to the major diameter length is from about0.3-0.6 to
 1. 14-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of continuously forming aplurality of discrete pieces of a center-filled confectionery productfrom an elongate rope thereof comprising the steps of: feeding said ropebetween a first and second elongate rotating chains, each said chaindefining a plurality of mutually engageable open die cavity portionssimultaneously closing a plurality of said die cavity portions aboutsaid rope along an extended length to cut said rope into said discretepieces, wherein said number of said closed die cavities is at leastabout 10, and wherein said first and second chains are rotatable at aspeed of from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 22. A method ofcontinuously forming a plurality of discrete pieces of a center-filledconfectionery product from an elongate rope thereof comprising the stepsof: feeding said rope between a first and second elongate rotatingchains, each said chain defining a plurality of mutually engageable opendie cavity portions simultaneously closing a plurality of said diecavity portions about said rope along an extended length to cut saidrope into said discrete pieces; and urging one of said chains into saidengagement with said other chain to maintain said plurality of said diecavity portions in said closed position, wherein said number of saidclosed die cavities is at least about
 10. 23-26. (canceled)
 27. A methodof claim 26, wherein said chains are rotatable at a speed of from about30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 28. (canceled)
 29. A method of claim 26,further comprising the step of having an dwell time, wherein said dwelltime is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.
 30. A method ofclaim 21, wherein each of said first and second chains has a majordiameter length and said chain defines a length of closed die cavities,and wherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to the majordiameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 31. (canceled)
 32. A methodof improving the output of a chain type cutting apparatus having a pairof rotary chains including a plurality of die cavity portions which aremutually engageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities tocontinuously cut a rope of center-filled confectionery product intoindividual pieces; the method comprises the steps of: establishing aminimal dwell time to maintain said rope in said mutually engageableclosed die cavities; and establishing the number of said closed diecavities and speed of rotation of said rotating chains such that atleast said minimum dwell time is maintained. 33-36. (canceled)
 37. Amethod of claim 32, wherein said chains are rotatable at a speed of fromabout 30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 38. (canceled)
 39. A method of claim32, wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5seconds.
 40. A method of claim 32, wherein each of said first and secondchains has a major diameter length and said chain defines a length ofclosed die cavities, and wherein the ratio of the closed die cavitylength to the major diameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 41-44.(canceled)
 45. An improved chain type cutting apparatus for continuouscutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individualpieces which comprises a first continuous elongate rotary chain defininga plurality of first open die cavity portions, and a second continuouselongate rotary chain defining a plurality of second open die cavityportions, and said first and second die cavity portions being mutuallyengageable to form a closed die cavity about said rope of product,thereby forming said pieces, said product remaining within said closeddie cavity for a dwell time, wherein the improvement comprises anincreased number of closed die cavities in contact with said rope overthat of an existing chain type cutting apparatus. 46-47. (canceled) 48.An improved chain die cutting apparatus of claim 45, wherein said chainsare rotatable at a speed of from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min. 49.(canceled)
 50. An improved chain die cutting apparatus of claim 45,wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5seconds.
 51. An improved chain die cutting apparatus of claim 45,wherein each of said first and second chains has a major diameter lengthand said chain defines a length of closed die cavities, and wherein theratio of the closed die cavity length to the major diameter length isfrom about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 52-59. (canceled)
 60. An improved chain typecutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filledconsumable product into individual pieces which comprises a firstcontinuous elongate rotary chain defining a plurality of first open diecavity portions, and a second continuous elongate rotary chain defininga plurality of second open die cavity portions, and said first andsecond die cavity portions being mutually engageable to form a closeddie cavity about said rope of product, thereby forming said pieces, saidproduct remaining within said closed die cavity for a dwell time,wherein the improvement comprises a length between the rollerssubstantially longer than that of an existing chain type cuttingapparatus. 61-62. (canceled)
 63. An improved chain die cutting apparatusof claim 60, wherein said chains are rotatable at a speed of from about30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 64. (canceled)
 65. An improved chain diecutting apparatus of claim 60, wherein said dwell time is between about0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.
 66. An improved chain die cuttingapparatus of claim 60, wherein each of said first and second chains hasa major diameter length and said chain defines a length of closed diecavities, and wherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to themajor diameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 67-74. (canceled) 75.An improved method of continuously forming a plurality of discretepieces of a center-filled confectionery product from an elongate ropethereof which comprises the steps of feeding said rope between a firstand second elongate rotating chains, each said chain defining aplurality of mutually engageable open die cavity portions,simultaneously closing a plurality of said die cavity portions aboutsaid rope along an extended length to cut said rope into said discretepieces, wherein the improvement comprises increasing the time in whichthe product remains within the closed die cavities while maintaining orincreasing the rotational speed of the chains of an existing method ofcontinuously forming a plurality of pieces of center-filledconfectionery product. 76-77. (canceled)
 78. An improved chain diecutting apparatus of claim 77, wherein said chains are rotatable at aspeed of from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 79. (canceled)
 80. Animproved chain die cutting apparatus of claim 77, wherein said dwelltime is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.
 81. An improvedchain die cutting apparatus of claim 75, wherein each of said first andsecond chains has a major diameter length and said chain defines alength of closed die cavities, and wherein the ratio of the closed diecavity length to the major diameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to 1.82-85. (canceled)
 86. A chain type cutting apparatus for continuouscutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individualpieces comprising: a first continuous elongate rotary chain defining aplurality of first open die cavity portions; and a second continuouselongate rotary chain defining a plurality of second open die cavityportions; said first and second die cavity portions being mutuallyengageable to form a closed die cavity about said rope of product,thereby forming said pieces, said product remaining within said closeddie cavity for a dwell time; wherein each of said first and secondchains has a major diameter length and said chain defines a length ofclosed die cavities and wherein the ratio of the closed die cavitylength to the major diameter length is about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 87.(canceled)
 88. A chain type cutting apparatus of claim 86, wherein saidchains are rotatable at a speed of from about 30 m/min to about 200m/min.
 89. (canceled)
 90. A chain type cutting apparatus of claim 86,wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5seconds. 91-96. (canceled)
 97. A method of improving the output of achain type cutting apparatus having a pair of rotary chains including aplurality of die cavity portions which are mutually engageable to form aplurality of closed die cavities to continuously cut a rope ofcenter-filled confectionery product into individual pieces; the methodcomprises the steps of: Establishing a first dwell time to maintain saidrope in said mutually engageable closed die cavities; Establishing anumber of closed die cavities; and Establishing a speed of rotation ofsaid rotating chains such that said first dwell time is at leastmaintained for said established number of closed die cavities. 98.(canceled)
 99. A method of claim 98, wherein said chains are rotatableat a speed of from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 100. (canceled)101. A method of claim 98, wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1seconds to about 0.5 seconds. 102-103. (canceled)
 104. A method of claim97, wherein each of said first and second chains has a major diameterlength and said chain defines a length of closed die cavities, andwherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to the major diameterlength is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 105-112. (canceled)
 113. A method ofimproving the output of a chain type cutting apparatus having a pair ofrotary chains including a plurality of die cavity portions which aremutually engageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities tocontinuously cut a rope of center-filled confectionery product intoindividual pieces; the method comprises the steps of: Establishing afirst dwell time to maintain said rope in said mutually engageableclosed die cavities; Establishing a speed of rotation of said rotatingchains; and Establishing a number of closed die cavities such that saidfirst dwell time is at least maintained for said established speed ofrotation of said rotating chains.
 114. (canceled)
 115. A method of claim114, wherein said chains are rotatable at a speed of from about 30 m/minto about 200 m/min.
 116. (canceled)
 117. A method of claim 114, whereinsaid dwell time is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.118-119. (canceled)
 120. A method of claim 113, wherein each of saidfirst and second chains has a major diameter length and said chaindefines a length of closed die cavities, and wherein the ratio of theclosed die cavity length to the major diameter length is from about0.3-0.6 to
 1. 121-128. (canceled)
 129. A method of improving the outputof a chain type cutting apparatus having a pair of rotary chainsincluding a plurality of die cavity portions which are mutuallyengageable to form a plurality of closed die cavities to continuouslycut a rope of center-filled confectionery product into individualpieces; the method comprises the steps of: Establishing a first dwelltime to maintain said rope in said mutually engageable closed diecavities; Establishing a speed of rotation of said rotating chains; andEstablishing a length of said chain such that said first dwell time isat least maintained for said established speed of rotation of saidrotating chains.
 130. (canceled)
 131. A method of claim 130, whereinsaid chains are rotatable at a speed of from about 30 m/min to about 200m/min.
 132. (canceled)
 133. A method of claim 130, wherein said dwelltime is between about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds. 134-136.(canceled)
 137. A method of claim 129, wherein each of said first andsecond chains has a major diameter length and said chain defines alength of closed die cavities, and wherein the ratio of the closed diecavity length to the major diameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to 1.138-145. (canceled)
 146. A method of improving the output of a chaintype cutting apparatus having a pair of rotary chains including aplurality of die cavity portions which are mutually engageable to form aplurality of closed die cavities to continuously cut a rope ofcenter-filled confectionery product into individual pieces; the methodcomprises the steps of: Establishing a first dwell time to maintain saidrope in said mutually engageable closed die cavities; Establishing alength of said rotary chains; and Establishing a speed of rotation ofsaid rotating chains such that said first dwell time is at leastmaintained for said established length of said rotary chains. 147.(canceled)
 148. A method of claim 147, wherein said chains are rotatableat a speed of from about 30 m/min to about 200 m/min.
 149. (canceled)150. A method of claim 147, wherein said dwell time is between about 0.1seconds to about 0.5 seconds. 151-153. (canceled)
 154. A method of claim146, wherein each of said first and second chains has a major diameterlength and said chain defines a length of closed die cavities, andwherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to the major diameterlength is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 155-162. (canceled)
 163. An chaintype cutting apparatus of claim 3 wherein said dwell time is betweenabout 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.
 164. A chain type cuttingapparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said first and second chains has amajor diameter length and said chain defines a length of closed diecavities, and wherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to themajor diameter length is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 165. A method of claim22, wherein each of said first and second chains has a major diameterlength and said chain defines a length of closed die cavities, andwherein the ratio of the closed die cavity length to the major diameterlength is from about 0.3-0.6 to
 1. 166. A method of claim 22, whereinsaid dwell time is between about 0.1 to about 0.5 seconds.
 167. A methodof claim 22, wherein said chains are rotatable at a speed of from about30 m/min to about 200 m/min.